How should I use Hydrocortisone?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for more than 14 days.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not use this medicine for the treatment of diaper rash unless directed to do so by your doctor or health care professional. If applying this medicine to the diaper area of a child, do not cover with tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants. This may increase the amount of medicine that passes through the skin and increase the risk of serious side effects.

Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. This medicine should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of Hydrocortisone contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: Hydrocortisone is only for you. Do not share Hydrocortisone with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.